It's a ................ ?

It's been kind of a stupid long time since I posted here.  I haven't been shooting over much simply because of a lack of time to dedicate to the process.  However, I do still get to do some super fun shoots from time to time.

This weekend I got asked to shoot a gender reveal, which is something I haven't done before but I love anything maternity so of course I was on board.

The expectant mother (who also happens to be a dear friend) and I threw some ideas back and forth and settled upon silly string.  Who doesn't love silly string?!  So much fun.  It brings out the kid in us so what better way to announce a baby?

Without further ado, the Jorgensen's and their playful ways:

And remember to click the thumbnails to see the larger views!!!!!!

Mister or Miss?

Mustache or Hair bow?

You guys ready for this?

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Yeah, that's some mighty blue silly string.

Mustaches for the win!

And for Pinterest purposes, the collage.

Before & After

Okay, so it's been a long while since my last post here.  Frankly, I just forget to update since FB makes it easy to simply do there.  However, once again I'm reminded of just how much FB uploads are crap.  So I'm posting a little something here because I'm dissatified with FB.

Also, I wanted to do a before and after.  I've never done one before, because frankly it scares me... I'm not a fan of showing anyone anything but my best, my intended vision.  However, in this case it's to prove that what I do for your photos by no means ends when we're done with our session.  Yes, I do my best to shoot technically clean photos, and sometimes SOOC (straight out of camera) shots work, and I take but a min to adjust a few things, maybe remove a blemish, etc.  This tends to be shoots that involve an indoor setting where I have controlled the scene and most importantly the light.  Studio shoots are typically quick edit shoots for me.

But this is rare, the main reason being I like to turn my work into not only the best it can be on a techincal scale, but also I like to edit to enhance the vibe of a photo.  This one I shot of Jude the other day is a perfect example.  The scene as was is spooky and cool, and Jude is damn near perfect anyway, however, I wanted to really make it stand out, to capture what it felt like being out there in that pea-soup fog, all the dead leaves, barren trees.  Now the original did get a few adjustments as a RAW file because I didn't know I was going to do this before/after thing when I started and frankly I don't feel like restoring all the way to the beginning, but it was merely some exposure adjustment, nothing more, so meh.

So yes, this is in large what you pay me for.  I am an artist, a portrait artist, and from beginning to end it's a process.  Like a sculptor feels out a piece of wood or rock to find the form hidden within, I do the same with my SOOC shots.

Introducing; Miss Molly Mae

I can now say that I have officially photographed the birth of a child.  I can also now say that it is not something I am prepared to offer as a service at this time, except for my very close friends and family.  First, the fees that it would require to make it fair to me as a professional are not something I think most people are prepared to pay for.  Second, being "on-call" puts restraints on the rest of my life I'm not prepared to pay on a regular basis.

That said, it was an experience that I am very glad to have had.  It was crazy intense, it was highly informative, and it was an intimate and special moment with some dear friends/family.  And now there is this perfect little person in the world that I saw enter it.  It's crazy cool.

So here is a little glimpse, but only a little, since most of the images are personal and reserved for the mother and father (and whomever they choose to share them with).

And now that beautiful little girl is two weeks old!

And seriously, click on that face, because it's too darn cute to view just as a thumbnail.

Happy 1st Birthday Kalaya!

I must take a moment to wish this little princess a very Happy Birthday!  This little girl has some of the best facial expressions, I ♥ her.

Days Gone By

So, with all the babies making their way into the lives of many of my friends, family, and clients, it has me all reminiscent about my pregnancy.  I look back at photos and wish I knew then what I know now.  It's been five years (I would have been 5 months along in May of 2008), it seems like forever ago, but I thought I'd share some of my belly pictures.  These were taken by me in a very tiny space in our apt at the time, with a makeshift lighting system given to me by a dear friend, a tripod and a remote.

Respect Your Photographer

There is no gentle way to say this, so I'll post this handy little image someone else produced.

 Family and friends need to be specifically aware of this.  My portfolio has plenty of wonderful examples to choose from, my experience, while I'm always learning, is great enough that I do not need models for TFP, and my time is very full right now so while I love you, I simply can no longer afford to offer you free sessions.  Please be aware of this when you inquire about shooting with me, I will expect payment for my services unless I have very specifically, very clearly, stated that a shoot is my gift to you.  A girl still has to pay her bills.

Kalaya is Turning 1!

This little cutie is about to turn the big 01, so naturally documentation had to occur.  She had so much fun playing peek-a-boo in the basket and I love how it shows in this picture!  Click HERE to view the full view!